Today we’d like to introduce you to La-Shawn Johnson.
Hi La-Shawn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never dreamed of owning my own rum company. I never dreamed that making a Pina Colada would lead me here, but it has. I used to make Coladas and add spices to cut the taste of the rum, over time I became known for making the best Coladas. I worked in bars and clubs as a bartender in my earlier years, and though I left the scene, making drinks was always my passion.
I was the family bartender at all family functions then one day I found myself as an empty nester still wanting to make drinks. I didn’t feel like doing all the prep to make myself a Pina Colada and said to myself I wish the rum already tasted like this. The next day I woke up to a Ciroc commercial and thought…I could do that. So, I began my mission once I had all the information and found a distiller I begin planning. Once the product was ready, I was able to launch it. Then the pandemic hit and brought my product launch to a halt.
After time went by my sister said to me launch online, so I did. The business was slow and I found myself running out of money my family helped as much as they could. I tried reaching out to local liquor stores and restaurants to no avail. Then it happened I received an email from Total Wine. Just when I thought it was over my dream was starting to happen. I thought long and hard and as scared as I was, I jumped. I quit my job and sold my house and went across Florida promoting my product, I had no idea what I was doing I just knew I was doing it.
To be honest it has taken a great deal of hard work to get to this point and even stronger faith. I go from store to store doing tastings and telling my story, excited to see how people enjoy my rum and more excited when they purchase. The story doesn’t end here, it takes determination to stay here. I live from hotel to hotel daily, never staying at one longer than a day or two. There are times I have to sleep in my car for days on end. I usually prefer hotel parking lots because it allows me to go in wash up in their bathrooms and grab a free cup of coffee. When things get too tough, I will drive to North Carolina to my family and get a good night’s sleep and a hot shower.
Sometimes my family will come down and help me with tastings or send me money when they can. My family has supported me throughout this journey which I am very grateful for.
God has been my strength and I know He is with me. There is still so far to go but when I think about where I came from, I am amazed that I am here. I woke up one day and wished the rum tasted like apple pie and then set out to create it. I have never done anything this huge and at the time I didn’t think this was huge. When I started this project, it was with $10,000 I had no idea I would need a great deal more than that. I decided to keep going and do what it takes I am glad I did it and can’t imagine going back to the 9 to 5 lifestyle, although I never imagined living out of my car, especially at 50. My followers and friends send me well wishes and encouraging words throughout, which turns my day around.
This journey is teaching me so much about faith and trust, self-love, and family, and for that, I already feel successful. I named the rum after my 2 children as a constant reminder of why I do this. I named the company 184th Street Legacy after the street I grew up on to remind me to always give back. It’s as if I started my life all over again. I am living my dream through a passion I never imagined would bring me here. It’s funny how a simple thing I used to do in my twenties would come full circle. #mixwhatyoulove.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has certainly not been a smooth road. There are months when I have to get creative just to eat. I will pop into hotels in the morning and blend in just to get a free breakfast. other struggles along the way have been not being able to fill orders because I may not have all the money for a pallet.
Also getting new accounts is probably the biggest struggle, no one wants to give a new brand a chance, and sometimes going through the red tape in the corporate world adds roadblocks. finding a distributor that provides full service has also been a major challenge. Most distributors don’t want to build a brand from the ground up. The funny thing is I understand why.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is owning a rum company. We are known for having the only apple pie rum. I make an apple pie-flavored rum; its unique flavor sets this rum apart. It can be enjoyed over ice or mixed in with your favorite cocktail. It’s like a dessert in a bottle. Not your old rum and coke.
I’m most proud to have named this brand after my 2 children I never imagined that. We offer a great-tasting rum, we run contests and coupons, and we stay engaged with our customers. We are a fun, personable brand and are grateful to our customers. There will be new flavors coming soon.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would define success as being open to learning and being accountable for your actions.
Working with integrity and treating others with respect. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and family.
Trusting God and having faith even through the toughest times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.monreyrum.com
- Instagram: @mon_rey_rum
- Facebook: @monreyrum #mixwhatyoulove
